30 July 2023
Venezuela scored early and often in a 19-2 win over Australia in the second game of the WBSC Under 12 World Cup.
It’s Australia’s second loss of the tournament after falling to Germany on Saturday afternoon, despite a valiant comeback effort.
29 July 2023
Australia may have dropped their opening game of the Under-12 World Cup by a 7-3 scoreline to Germany but a resilient never-say-die effort, some nice defensive plays and a wonderful display of sportsmanship leaves plenty of reasons to be proud.
To be fair, Australia’s youngest national team ran into a heck-of-a-pitcher.
German starting pitcher Felipe Morales took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He delivered a big-time performance on the global stage he’ll never forget. He struck out seven batters and was looking confident all afternoon, dancing the baseball all around the strike-zone.
Above: Felipe Morales (Photo: WBSC)
Australia could have folded over and packed it in, but they didn’t. Despite being down seven runs going into the final inning, the team grinded out some tough at-bats vs Morales. The Green & Gold punched back with three late runs to apply some serious pressure on the Germans. That’s the never-say-die attitude we love to see.
Then there’s the sportsmanship.
Morales left the game with bases loaded in the sixth after fooling the Australian batters all game. When he left the game, Australian first baseman Oliver Allen (VIC) gave the German pitcher a cool little fist bump to the opposition in a tremendous display of respect and sportsmanship.
The final line on Morales reads 5.1 innings with two hit, four walks, three earned runs and seven strikeouts. The damage came from the final three batters he faced – he allowed a walk, hit-by-pitch and a double in his final three batters – not indicative of his start at all.
In another positive note for the Green & Gold, not many German-batters were able to power a ball to the outfield. They scored most of their runs off Australian walks, infield-hits and a handful of errors.
In total, Germany had five hits and Australia had three. Litsu Tamura (QLD) was the one that broke up the no-hitter and recorded Australia’s first base knock of the tournament.
The German infield was sensational most of the game. They made a number of athletic plays to retire Australian batters off hard-hit balls in play. Perhaps the Aussies would have reached base in club ball, but not at this World Cup.
Germany jumped Australia early. A patient approach at the plate led to four walks for the Germans and lots of pressure on the base paths.
Box Score: Australia vs Germany – U-12 World Cup
There weren’t many hard-hit balls, but singles to Liam Hagen and Willem Lenhart helped bring home three first inning scores for Germany.
It could have been more if it weren’t for a nifty backhanded catch from third baseman Toby Kelman (NSW) and a sharp line-drive snag from Oliver Allen (VIC) at first. Both those plays limited damage and kept the German bats at bay.
Australia had difficulty responding to the initial German strike, thanks in large part to the pitching from Morales.
After allowing a lead-off walk in the first inning, Morales proceeded to sit down the next eleven batters in order.
Germany added four more runs in the third inning. Only one ball left the infield that entire frame – a shallow pop fly to end an inning. Once again, Germany took advantage of walks and hits.
Australia’s push back came in the sixth inning. With bases loaded and one out, Allen had a deep left-field double that bounced off the wall to score a run. Mark Howell (WA) and Litsu Tamura (QLD) both had RBIs.
The spark was just too little, too late for Australia – but lots of positive signs to build from. Let’s hope it’s a great learning experience heading into their next game.
Australia will take on Venezuela at 11:00AM local time (1:00PM AEST) on Sunday. It won’t be easy – Venezuela didn’t allow a hit in their Saturday afternoon victory over Mexico.
28 July 2023
A mass amount of rain due to a Typhoon passing by Taiwan has forced the postponement of Day 1 of the Under-12 World Cup.
The teams are not in any danger and are safe. There’s just a lot of rain.
WBSC is working hard on a revised schedule of play. Stay tuned to this page and Team Australia Baseball channels for updates.
UPDATE (6:50AEST): WBSC is still working on a revised schedule, but Day 2 of the U12 World Cup will continue as originally planned. Australia will play one game on Saturday 29 July – Germany at 4:30PM.
28 July 2023
Seven Australian representative teams will be playing in a major global tournament between July 28 and September 10.
Head to our “International Hub” at www.baseball.com.au/internationalhub for all the latest links, story and coverage.
Alternatively, click on the “Events” tab for information.
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24 July 2023
Australia has four representative teams heading to the United States for the Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League World Series.
These prestigious tournaments are broadcast on ESPN and garner huge crowds and media attention across the USA.
Here’s what you need to know.
24 July 2023
World Cup and International Baseball Silly Season is just days away. Australia’s Under-12 national team will be the ones kickstarting the party.
Australia has teams in the Under-12 World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Under-18 World Cup, Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Intermediate League World Series.
This team is a collection of elite 12 & under talent from across the great Australian lands who will head to Taiwan to battle the best kids from other countries.
There are two groups in the tournament. Australia is in Group A with Taiwan, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Venezuela. Group B features Czechia, Dominican Republic, South Korea, New Zealand, Panama and the USA.
The group stage runs from July 28 – August 1. Australia must finish in the Top 3 to qualify for the ‘Super Round’ vs the other Group’s Top 3 teams if they wish to medal at this event.
There is no doubt this tournament will be a life-changing experience for the players and their families. A trip to a ‘baseball-first’ country, new friends, competitive baseball and a lot of learning opportunities are on the horizon.
We’ll be providing coverage via our social media. Make sure you follow Team Australia Baseball on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The games will be broadcast via the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) GameTime App.
It’s an exciting experience for the kids, many of whom haven’t met each other before.
“I can’t wait until we’re at the airport,” says Australia’s U12 coach Phil Hemmer (NSW).
“You know what kids are like. They all have baseball in common, they’re all representing their country. They’ll walk up to each other and be best of mates.”
Players from around the country have been training with their high performances managers, or with coaches in their respective states. They’ve yet to play together – but they’ll be well acquainted soon.
Hemmer says wearing the Green & Gold and representing your country isn’t something you get to do every day.
“I hope and want everyone to feel the pride that I’m feeling,” he says. “I’d love to do something special. Can you imagine if we did something cool? Let’s go win some games do something nobody in this country has done before.”
The whole experience will be different. No longer will the players be battling on suburban grounds. They’re going to Taiwan – a country that is baseball mad with facilities many of these athletes haven’t seen before.
“I hope they learn a lot. I want them to experience and see things they haven’t seen before,” he says.
“I also want them to learn. I want them to succeed but I also want them to fail – I want them to see challenges and continue to learn to work things out. Baseball and life aren’t perfect. This will be great for them.”
We’re sure they’ll represent us with honour.
Here they are…
Oliver Allen – VIC – 1B / Pitcher: A power guy. He’s a big Victorian hitter who has the ability to drive in some runs for his team.
Ignatius Carter – NSW – Utility: He can play all over the infield, outfield and even step on the mound. A tall, athletic kid that brings some versatility to the squad.
Chase Crew – QLD – 1B /P : Chase will be relied on to drive in some runs and play some good defense. He had a solid Little League National Championship and was serviceable across the diamond – a cool kid!
Jacob Cruz – NSW – Utility: Coach Phil Hemmer says he’s got a “heck of a swing.” He can handle any position asked and is a great athlete.
Ashton Diplock – SA – Utility: South Australia’s only representee on the squad. Ashton can play nearly everywhere – he had a stand out Little League Nationals that put him on the radar.
Bodhi Evans – VIC – Utility: Don’t be fooled by his size – he may be smaller than others on the field but he can flat out play. He moves on the infield like he’s been doing it his whole life. Anywhere Bodhi plays is slick – very sure handed.
Travis Holborrow – NSW – Catcher: One of the main catchers on the squad. He is little but has a great defender with no issues throwing guys out at second base. Travis is a good lefty bat and a refined catcher for his age who works hard at his craft.
Mark Howell – WA – OF: Mark made an impression on selectors at the Little League Championships with some standout plays in centrefield. He has a bazooka – an absolute cannon of an arm. He runs around the outfield like it’s his day job.
Hugh Kelly – NSW – P/INF: He’s already put a stamp to his name as a candidate to be a real leader of the team. He’s a big, strong, tall kid that will likely pitch some big games. He can be sent out on short notice and will just throw strikes.
Toby Kelman – NSW – P/C/INF: What can’t he do?! A power bat who hit the ball really hard at nationals. He’s the complete package who can pitch and catch as well as play infield.
Zavier Leigh – QLD – OF / P: One of Australia’s only left-handed bats on the team. From all reports, his nationals were stellar – he played so well he pushed his way on the team. He should be proud of how he played. “I can see him being a big contributor,” says coach Phil.
Max Minard – NSW – P/OF: A late addition to the team but make no mistake – he deserves to be here. He’s shown a lot of improvement and can really let things fly with the call-up. A versatile player.
Archer Peterson – QLD – P/INF: One of the main arms and could be in a leadership role with the team. He is a great competitor and won some epic duals with great players at the Little League Nationals.
Maisen Ricketts – VIC – C: One of the main catchers on the squad. He didn’t go to the Little League National championships (his charter didn’t make it) but coaches in Victoria speak highly of him. He is a solid defender with a good arm.
Harry Roberts – NSW – P/Util: He’s a very controlled guy who can throw a lot of innings and can play outfield and infield. He asks a lot of questions and is a good student of the game.
Litsu Tamura – QLD – C/INF: Didn’t go to Little League Nationals because his charter didn’t make it. But Litsu trialed after the fact and made an impression. He’s another C / INF with versatility. He will play a big role. A tall kid with a big bat.
Jacob Tayler – VIC – OF / P: A fantastic young man who is very polite and an astute student of the game. he is very disciplined at training. Jacob has a strong bat that will play – a run scoring potential guy.
Harrison Thomas McLean – NSW – P: A tall leader on the team. He is strong, throws hard and hits hard. Harrison does everything with intent.
21 July 2023
- Team Australia Women's Baseball
We’re not far away from seeing how Australia’s national women’s team stacks up vs the rest of the world.
Nicknamed “the Emeralds”, the best female baseball players from the land Down Under will jet off to Thunder Bay, Canada for the Group Stage of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
The World Cup format has been totally revamped by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and will take place over two years. We are about to enter the “Group Stage” of the event.
Teams have been split into Pool A and Pool B. Australia is in Pool A with Canada, United States, South Korea, Hong Kong and Mexico. These games will take place August 8 – 13 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Pool B takes place in Japan in September with the likes of the Japanese, Chinese Taipei, Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico and France.
If a team finishes in the Top 2 of their Pool, they automatically advance to the final round of the World Cup to be held in 2024. There are also two wild card spots available for teams that finish outside the Top 2, so finishing third still keeps you in with a chance.
All games will be broadcast via WBSC channels, likely via their Game Time App, and we will post out links out on game day so Australian fans don’t miss a second of action! Fans should be able to purchase a tournament pass through WBSC. Stay tuned.
The Emeralds haven’t competed in a major international tournament since a seventh-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. In the last five years, there has been a big roster turnover, with 14 of the 20 rostered players set to make their international debuts.
Emeralds head coach Jason Pospishil says although the team is young, he thinks the data and baseball analytics shows that Australia should be able to swing it with the best in the world on paper.
“We need that belief that we are a good baseball team, because we are,” he says. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team will form their own identity. This is a new chapter of Australian women’s baseball and there are all the makings of this being a very good one.”
The travelling squad will meet in Sydney on August 1 for a five-day training camp before flying to Canada for the tournament.
It’s a team worth supporting. None of the women are full-time baseball players – they all work, have families, and play the sport out of pure passion.
“These women compete in user-pay high-performance programs across the state, they’ve all sacrificed a lot to play at this level and get themselves ready for an international tournament,” says Posphisil. “You can tell how much it means to them to have the chance to play in this tournament – the emotion is so real. They work so hard for this and to be here.”
Without further ado, let’s meet the 2023 Emeralds Squad…
Gen Beacom (VIC – Sandringham) – Pitcher / 1B: It’s the 18-year-old’s international debut. Beacom was recently filmed throwing 85 miles per hour. To put that in perspective, the average velocity of pitchers on the top international women’s teams is a little over 70. She also possesses a powerful bat with exit velocities flying off the charts. Beacom famously pitched a professional game for the Melbourne Aces in the 2022 pandemic impacted ABL season. It’s Beacom’s first taste of World Cup action and no matter the outcome, it’s sure to be a great learning experience in her development as a player and person.
Allie Bebbere (VIC – Doncaster) – Pitcher: You could make a case that Bebbere has been the top pitcher across the last two women’s national championships – she’s mighty consistent. She allowed just one run in eight innings of work at the recent Nationals, while allowing less than one walk or hit per inning pitched. It was an effort strong enough for her to win the “Golden Arm” award. Bebbere is a strike thrower with a sinker/slider combination and can touch 70mph on the gun.
Kelsey Brennan (WA – Wanneroo) – OF / Pitcher: She can play all positions in the outfield and throw off the mound. Brennan is a plus thrower, a solid defender, and can be used in multiple positions. She was part of the Western Australian squad that won the 2023 National Title. Look out for Brennan on the bases – she swiped six bags at Nationals to share in the team lead.
Lili Cavanagh (VIC – Springvale) – OF / Pitcher: After an esteemed junior career, including winning a Golden Glove and Golden Bat at the Australian Youth Championships, Cavanagh has cracked the senior squad. She can run. She can throw. She can play all across the outfield. Cavanagh hit .524 for Victoria at Nationals and led the team in runs with 10.
Leah Cornish (WA – Melville) – Utility: Keep your eye on this 16-year-old who has burst on to the Australian baseball scene. She is the real deal. Cornish won the Golden Bat at Nationals, something that paired well with the championship that her team also took home. She also won the WA State League Most Valuable Player Award. Coaches like to talk about how complete a player she is, especially for a teenager. She can throw 72mph as a pitcher and can play nearly anywhere on the diamond. She was WA’s catcher at Nationals. Versatility is the name of the game for Cornish. She is a name to remember.
Morgan Doty (VIC – Newport) – OF / P: They say that earth is 30% land and the rest is covered by Morgan Doty. She will likely be Australia’s starting centrefielder and could be used in a high leverage situation on the mound. She can throw mid-70s, after all. Doty already has World Cup experience, is a multiple-time national champion, has played in the Australian Women’s Showcase and is a genuine star of the game. Head coach Jason Pospishil says Doty is likely in the Top 10 female players on the planet.
Maddie Erwin (ACT – Weston Creek/Blacktown) – Pitcher: Erwin is a strike throwing machine who has really improved her craft over the past couple seasons. Playing in two Australian Women’s Baseball Showcases would have helped with that. It’s her first time as an Emerald, earning her way there after a great Nationals with New South Wales.
Caitlin Eynon (WA – Melville) – SS/P: Eynon has some excellent skills that should translate to the international game. Eynon can play solid short stop, can pitch with a fastball touching 74mph off the gun when she pitches. She’s a great all-around athlete and a good option as a late reliever. Eynon batted .481 at Nationals including a three-hit, three-run performance when it mattered the most – the Gold Medal game.
Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW – Blacktown) – OF: A genuine, all-around athlete. Geldenhuis can hit, play defense and can she ever run. The Geldenhuis name has been coming more to the forefront after two excellent Showcases and a National Championship where she drove in eight runs and stole six bases in her six games played. Ticara has won five national titles across the senior and junior levels combined.
Meaghan Haggart (WA – Wanneroo) – P: She has some experience in the senior national squad prior as a catcher. Recently she’s honed in on the pitching side of things. It’s the off-speed stuff opposition batters need to be wary of. Haggart has a high spin rate on the breaking ball with analytics showing it’s in the Top 10% in the world. There are lots of tools to like and work with here.
Maddison Heath (NSW – Blacktown) – C: A fantastic story of hard-work and perseverance. Australia will usher in a new era behind the plate, after longtime catcher Tahnee Lovering has stepped away. Heath is one of two options and has been on the radar for a few years. Heath needed a major hip surgery in 2022 but has rehabbed well-enough to push her way into national selection. She can bring the thunder with the bat and is top notch at receiving and blocking.
Abbey Kelly (VIC – Essendon) – 3B / P: Kelly was the starting pitcher for the Emeralds upset victory over the USA at the 2016 World Cup – a win that sent them to the super round. She won the Golden Arm at the 2022 Nationals. She is elite in the field, handy with the bat, and a proven dynamo in clutch moments. A big time presence for a young Australian squad.
Shae Lillywhite (VIC – Springvale) – DH: Australia’s most capped international player and a living legend of the game. Lillywhite has played in all eight previous World Cups and has an illustrious career. This is tournament number nine for Shae. She was a 2006 World Cup All-Star, and in 2013 she became the first Australian to sign in the Japan Women’s Baseball League. For a team that has so many debutants, it’s nice to have the most experienced international player in Aussie baseball history in the squad.
Abbey McLellan (VIC – Footscray) – 1B /DH: A return member from the 2018 team, McLellan brings a booming bat to the squad. She recently required a personal best in exit velocity so despite all her experience, McLellan is still getting better. She hit .571 at the recent National Championships and is consistently among the leading batters in any tournament she plays in.
Carly Moore (SA – Woodville) – C: Moore is about to become the first South Australian woman to play in a World Cup game. Moore had a phenomenal 2023 season. She won Best & Fairest honours in the SA Women’s League, guided Woodville to a maiden title and captained the SA State Team to a Bronze Medal. She is known for her leadership, vision at the plate, and knack for calling a game.
Claire O’Sullivan (NSW – Greenaway) – P/INF/OF: Likely a starting pitcher for one Australia’s games, while playing multiple positions in the field. She’s played a lot of her time at first base but could see action in right field, where she’s been working out like she’s been there her whole life. O’Sullivan is another veteran leader on the squad with experience at all levels. She’s been part of Senior Squads since 2011 and is a two-time National Championship winner.
Maddy Patrick (VIC – Springvale) – “Almost Everything”: She is a genuine, genuine utility player. It would be easier to list out the positions she likely won’t play – catcher and first base. Patrick can slot in so many different positions and gives the Emeralds line-up flexibility by being able to fill a few roles. She’ll tell you herself…Patrick only knows how to play the game one way – hard.
Ashley Patton (ACT – Blacktown) – Pitcher: A 16-year-old who earned her way onto the squad. She hits 73mph on the gun – above average velo for the top teams at the World Cup. Patton has a very live arm who keeps refining her command. A solid breaking ball to compliment the velocity. She won the MVP of the ACT’s Grand Final in 2022.
Jordan Richardson (NSW – Greenaway) – INF / P: Show us your power! Richardson slugged a homer at Nationals and that power will suit a Thunder Bay ballpark where the ball carriers. She has experience at lots of positions across the diamond. On the bump, she has a strong command and throws all her pitches for strikes.
Maddison Tabrett (NSW – Blacktown) – INF / P: Tabrett made her Emeralds debut as a 15-year-old at the 2012 World Cup. She’s also a World Cup bronze medalist. Tabrett returns for her fourth World Cup and brings a lot of experience. She is a side-arm pitcher with a point-of difference in the Australian staff. She can play multiple positons in the infield.
Jason Pospishil – Manager (NSW): “Pops” brings a wealth of experience as coach. He spent several seasons as the manager of the Sydney Blue Sox, coached the U18 National team, has time as the NSW High Performance Manager and even coached in the Minnesota Twins organisation. He played professionally in the Twins’ minor leagues, represented NSW in the Claxton Shield, and played for Australia at the junior level
Chris Oxspring – Pitching Coach (NSW): There aren’t many more accomplished players than Chris Oxspring. He played in the Major Leagues, KBO, and Japanese Big Leagues in a professional playing career that’s lasted more than 23 years. He’s still got it. He pitched with great numbers for the Sydney Blue Sox this past season at age 46.
Samantha Hamilton – Assistant Coach (VIC): Hamilton is part of the most decorated era of women’s baseball in Australia. She was famously part of the 2010 World Cup squad that won a silver medal in Venezuela. She is a 10-time national champion with Victoria. Hamilton is the coach of the Victorian state team.
Lisa Norrie – Assistant Coach (QLD): Norrie made international headlines when she became the first female coach in Australian Baseball League history (Brisbane Bandits). Her coaching career has since launched, becoming a coach in the American instructional leagues, affiliated with MLB clubs.
Ursula Howard – EO (VIC): The real boss of the Emeralds, Ursula is in charge of everything that happens on the road as we bring the Emeralds across the globe for this tournament. Ursula has recent experience as the EO for the Victorian state team that competes at National Championships. She also has great experience as a player – a three-time national champion, a championship as a youth coach, and was part of the support staff at the 2018 WC.
Tammy Ong – Physio (NSW): Tammy has been working as a full-time women’s health physiotherapist in a private practice for nearly five years. She treats anything musculoskeletal, neurological and women’s health related. She’s also a Pilates instructor and uses this in her practice. Tammy has experience with Western Magic AFC and has been working with the Sydney Blue Sox since the 2018-19 season.
14 July 2023
The Emeralds will depart for the WBSC World Cup – Group A Qualifier with a fresh squad of 20 players, with 14 players set to make their official international tournament debut.
The touring team was selected from a training squad of 25 players selected from the 2023 Australian Women’s Championships in April.
Players and coaches will be heading to Sydney on the 1st of August for a training camp prior to departing for Thunder Bay Canada on the 6th of August. The Emeralds will take on Canada, Hong Kong, South Korea, Mexico and the USA from the 8th to the 12th of August with the top two teams progressing to the World Cup, and an additional wild card from the group determined based on results across the week.
Group B will be held in Japan during September. Six teams in total will progress to the Women’s World Cup Final to be held in Thunder Bay July 15th – 21st next year.
The Emeralds will be led by Manager Jason Pospishil, supported by Lisa Norrie (assistant coach), Sam Hamilton (assistant coach), Chris Oxpring (pitching coach), Ursula Howard (executive officer) and Tammy Ong (physiotherapist).
Photo: Shae Lillywhite – Credit: SMP Images.
2023 Emeralds:
Genevieve Beacom (VIC/Sandringham)
Allie Bebbere (VIC/Doncaster)
Kelsey Brennan (WA/Wanneroo)
Lili Cavanagh (VIC/Springvale)
Leah Cornish (WA/ Melville)
Morgan Doty (VIC/Newport)
Maddison Erwin (ACT/Weston Creek/Blacktown Workers)
Caitlin Eynon (WA/Melville)
Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Meaghan Haggart (WA/Wanneroo)
Maddison Heath (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Abbey Kelly (VIC/Essendon)
Shae Lillywhite (VIC/Springvale)
Abbey McLellan (VIC/Footscray)
Carly Moore (SA/Adelaide)
Claire O’Sullivan (NSW/Greenaway)
Maddy Patrick (VIC/Springvale)
Ashley Patton (ACT/Blacktown Workers)
Jordan Richardson (NSW/Greenaway)
Maddison Tabrett (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Staff:
Jason Popsishil (Manager – NSW)
Chris Oxpring (Pitching Coach – NSW)
Samantha-Jane Hamilton (Assistant Coach – VIC)
Lisa-Anne Norrie (Assistant Coach – QLD)
Ursula Howard (EO – VIC)
Tammy Ong (Physiotherapist – NSW)
SportsLink, Baseball Australia’s preferred travel partner, invites you to support the Emeralds in their 2023 Group A World Cup tournament in Thunder Bay, Canada.
Baseball.com.au event hub – click here.
WBSC event hub – click here.
03 July 2023
A talented team of youngsters will put on the green and gold for the first time in their baseball careers as they represent Australia in the 2023 WBSC Under 12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan from July 28th to August 6th.
The Australian squad finds themselves in Group A, featuring powerhouses Japan, Mexico and Chinese Taipei. The top three finishers of each group in the Open Round will then advance to the Super Round, while the other six teams will play the Placement Round.
The first and second-place teams of the Super Round will play for the U-12 World Title, while the third and fourth-place finishers will compete for a bronze medal.
Fresh off the 2023 Australian Little League Championships, the World Cup provides an opportunity for Australian players to showcase their abilities and cement their status as global baseball contenders.
WBSC event hub – click here.
30 June 2023
Team Australia will depart for the 2023 Under 12 World Cup with 18 talented young players set to make their international debut. The team, selected across the Australian summer of baseball, will take up the final wild card spot within the event issued by the WBSC.
30 June 2023
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is delighted to announce a new ownership agreement with the Sydney Blue Sox.
The Sydney Blue Sox are a foundation member of the Australian Baseball League have been acquired by Darren Macbeth, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Five Star Distribution, and Robert Hazan, Co-Founder of Guzmany Gomez.
A prominent member of the Australian baseball community since the inception of the ABL in 1989, the Blue Sox under the guidance of Darren Macbeth and Robert Hazan are poised to build on the teams outstanding baseball legacy and take the team and sport across New South Wales to new heights.
With a deep-rooted understanding of the sport and business, coupled with a shared commitment to excellence, Macbeth and Hazan are determined to return the Blue Sox to their rightful place as one of the premier teams in the ABL.
Macbeth, the majority owner of the Sydney Blue Sox, is no stranger to the baseball scene having previously played grade for the Canterbury Vikings and the Sydney Zephyrs, the experience providing him with a deep appreciation for the sport and its fans. Thrilled to have secured ownership of the new team, Macbeth now has his sights set on the 2023/24 ABL season.
“Both Rob and I are extremely excited to take over the license for the Sydney Blue Sox. We want to create a professional ball club that has success on and off the field and gives back to the NSW baseball community.” “Returning Sydney to the top of the ABL is obviously a high priority for us, but equally, it is about engaging the fans and creating a wonderful and entertaining environment for everyone to come out and enjoy their time at the game.” Macbeth said.
Macbeth’s company, Five Star Distribution, is a respected partner of renowned baseball equipment brands, solidifying his dedication to the growth and development of baseball in Australia and New Zealand.
Robert Hazan, known across both business and baseball worlds, joins the ownership group as a minority owner. As a Co-Founder of Guzman y Gomez, Hazan has demonstrated his entrepreneurial capabilities and his involvement with Baseball Australia and the Cronulla Junior Association showcases his strong commitment to the sport’s grassroots development.
The acquisition of the Sydney Blue Sox by Macbeth and Hazan signals an exciting new era for baseball in New South Wales with Baseball Australia Chief Executive Officer Glenn Williams applauding the new ownership deal.
“We are thrilled to see Darren and Robert take over the Sydney Blue Sox for the next five years. Having been successful in multiple business ventures previously, coupled with Darren’s strong baseball pedigree and connections through the brands he represents across Australasia, we are extremely confident in the long-term success of the Sydney Blue Sox.”
On behalf of Baseball Australia and the ABL, Williams expressed gratitude to Mark Wilton and his team for their dedication and contribution to the Sydney Blue Sox.
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